Starting a new unit

[Storm Chaser]

Is there something wrong with that? I was a Cadet before, and I'm very active in other volunteer organizations.

It's not impossible, but it's extremely difficult. I was a cadet too (Earhart) and when I became a senior member, the experience was "day and night".

As a cadet you don't have to be knowledgeable about (almost) every regulation out there, all the different unit mandates and requirements, all the different reports and deadlines, the many restrictive cadet protection policies, safety requirements, training requirements (for cadets and seniors), property management, finance, fund raising, legal issues, etc., etc. It can be extremely overwhelming. On top of that, you'll have virtually no support as you start the unit; no experienced senior members to help with the workload, no experienced cadet cadre to help lead and train new recruits, and no one to train and mentor you, who will have to train and mentor everyone else.

Being a commander is challenging enough for experienced senior members with full staff support. For someone with virtually no experience or support it could be grueling and discouraging, to say the least. Those few who succeed do so at great personal sacrifice and expense. Are you sure you're up to the task?

[Storm Chaser]

By the way, I didn't mean to discourage you, but to give you a full disclaimer of what you may be getting yourself into. Best of luck with anything you decide to do.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

By the way, I didn't mean to discourage you, but to give you a full disclaimer of what you may be getting yourself into. Best of luck with anything you decide to do.

Sound advice.  I hope this young, well-intentioned person does not bite off more than s/he can chew.

[jimmydeanno]

If it's any consideration...

I was a cadet. 
I became a senior member at 21.
My first unit was on the brink of closing.
Me and my wife, over the course of a year, made it the largest unit in the wing and got a color guard to win the region competition.

Steep learning curve? Indeed.
A lot of hours? Indeed.

Initially we had no continuity, no institutional knowledge (besides our own from being cadets), and no personnel to help.  It's hard and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but if someone is up for the challenge and has a good head on their shoulders, getting to the size to establish a real charter should be feasible. 

[kcebnaes]

I do think I'm up to the task. I've been reading all of the regulations that I can, so I'm familiar with them before this unit becomes official. I will not lead the unit in a wrong direction, plus I'll ask for help from other Squadron commanders and the Group commander when needed.

[Storm Chaser]

Just out of curiosity, for how long where you active in CAP as a cadet and what was your highest achievement and/or milestone award earned?

[kcebnaes]

I was a C/TSgt. While I know that isn't very far, I've been doing research on the Policies and Regulations ever since I had to leave(long story involving my parents making me quit.)

[Storm Chaser]

I was a C/TSgt. While I know that isn't very far...

No, it isn't.

I admire your motivation and drive for starting this unit, but the fact that you have no idea about how hard it's going to be leads me to believe that you don't really know what you're getting yourself into. Perhaps you're not as ready as you think you are. Being a squadron commander is nothing like being a cadet commander (not that you said you were one). And getting familiar with regulations, while great, is no replacement for experience, which you practically have none.

You would be better off joining an established unit (even one that's an hour away) and getting some real CAP experience before embarking on a command of your own. Perhaps even being a deputy commander first. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I firmly believe it's the best advice I can give you. Good luck.

[Eclipse]

Have you discussed this with the Wing CC (or Group CC of that AOR if appropriate)?

Are either or both even interested in the idea?

[kcebnaes]

The Group CC has approved. Now we're going to start the paper work. I haven't talked to him yet if he would rather start this unit as a Flight of another Squadron or a completely separate unit in the Group. If at all possible, I'd like to start as a Flight and work towards learning more about the functions of a Senior Member, and Commanding.

[Eclipse]

The Group CC has approved. Now we're going to start the paper work. I haven't talked to him yet if he would rather start this unit as a Flight of another Squadron or a completely separate unit in the Group. If at all possible, I'd like to start as a Flight and work towards learning more about the functions of a Senior Member, and Commanding.

A working flight of someone else's charter is the way to go - you can get reinvested in CAP, learn what you don't know,
and let someone else handle the paperwork  the first year or two.

Once you have critical mass, you can request a separate charter.

[Storm Chaser]

Agree.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

And getting familiar with regulations, while great, is no replacement for experience, which you practically have none.

Take it from someone with a Master rating in Administration and who has been having his brain imprinted with various CAPR's, CAPM's, etc., since the days of the Big Blue Binder - you can never be completely conversant with regulations.  And, as the Major said, it is no substitute for in-the-trenches experience.  I've got roughly 20 years in off-and-on and there's no way I can call myself a CAP "ace of the base."

You would be better off joining an established unit (even one that's an hour away) and getting some real CAP experience before embarking on a command of your own. Perhaps even being a deputy commander first. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I firmly believe it's the best advice I can give you. Good luck.

I have been a deputy commander of a squadron, and, believe me, that is enough of a potential headache, knowing that you can be called on to step in and take charge at virtually any time, with little-to-no notice.  I would again echo the Major's counsel, to start in an established squadron, to see if you have what it takes for command.  I don't, and I say that without shame.

Hopefully you can get into a good unit with a good commander who will mentor you.  They're not common, but they are there.

[kcebnaes]

My main worry is that the units near by aren't up to the standard I would hope for. But, I'm planning on talking to my Group CC sometime in the next couple of hours to get his opinion!